MASTERTON FIRE BRIGADE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10272, 27 June 1911, Page 3

MASTERTON FIRE BRIGADE.

! SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.

The annual report of Superintendent Jenkins, of the Masterton Fire Brigade, pres-eiited at tlie meeting of the Masterton Fir© Board yesterday, was as follows: I have the honour to submit my report for the year now ending, on the work of the Brigade and matters contained therein. I am pleased to be able to report that there were no fires of any magnitude during the year. Hhe total number of calls received from all sources were 24, as against 23 for last year. Of the calls. received 4 wf&re false alarms, 6 were chimney fires, 1 hay fire, and 13 actual fires, one of the latter being an out of district call. Estimateed value of property on which, fines occurred, contents £7089, buildings £3890; Insurances on property, icontents £1995, buildings £2425; Estimated loss of property covered by insurance, contents £355, 'buildings £450; Estimated loss of property not covered 'by insurance contents £490, buildings 1 £182; Estimated total fire loss for the yea.r, } contents £845, buildings £637. ' I Tihe aniioiunt of insurance to be paid in respect to the claim for damage on 'the contents of Shaw's fire on April stUi a.re not available, the matter mot being adjusted yet. 'Brigade Membership.— The present strength of the Brigade membership i®: Superintendent, BeputySuperimtendent, Engine-driver, 2 Foremen, and 18 Firemen. The following resignations have been received and appointments mode during tllie year:—HeeignatAoaia.: D. Knowles, J. Johnson, J. Brooks, T. Fielding, J. Thompson, J. O'Leary, Appointments: E. 6. McEwen, W. Murphy, W. Mohajds, J. O'Leary, E. Braggins, H. Bragginis, A. Hadley. Two official visits have heem made by Inspector H/ugo during the year to test the efficiency of tide Brigade. One minor accident occurred during the year. Fireman Morris in- * jnred fliis- arm, while going down the sliding pole, in answer to a,n, alarm on, May sth, necessitating his being placed on the accident insurance.

The discipline of the Brigade has been well maintained, and the* attendance at fires and practices', with: on© exception, lias, been v<?yy satiisfactory. The gear and appliances' are all in good wording order, excepting tlhat, of the 3500 feet of ihose dn. the possession of the Brigade, some 700 or 800 feet is somewihat warn. Also, two reels require painting. Tlx© fire-well in Chapel Street elhoiuld have stand-pipe isimiiiar to tlue two wells in Queen, Street, or a suitable trap lid, to allow isuction to be put down, well. The present system of digging up the footpath is not satisfactory. In accordance with, section 51 of the Fire Firigades Act, I beg to report ihaving imade on inspection, of ■ the public buildings in the Borough and found that the fire escapes connected' therewith, are (Satisfactory, with the exception that the main entrance, doors at the Drill Hall are not kept dear during the time the hall is engaged. I 'have to report having made several inspections under bye-law 5, and found that generally speaking, the ibye-law is being well observed.

The Borougjh Council iliavo decided to make provision for tihe isitorage of benzine, kerosene, and other explosiivies in a suitable locality. This will be a iconsiderable factor in reducing the risk from fire in -Queen Street in particular. iEVom a Fire Brigade point of view it is ia matter for regret that the recent suggestion's for a new street opposite the Fir© Station were not given effect to, as it would have provided a quicker and safer route to a large portion of the fir© district. -Ais at .present, tihe asphalt in Queen Street is proving a source of considerable danger, both to the Brigade and public, through' tihle heavy engine skidding and the horses paving some difficulty in keeping .their feet'.

As. is usually tihe case during tihe summer imonitihs, tihe Borough water supply was at tame® ait a very low pressure, But taken, altogether a 1) fair average pressure was maintain- j ed, and was a,s satisfactory as can I be expected until sucih times as the 1 reticulation, is improved.. . j I am ipieiased to be able to , report tib&t the Electric Fire Alarm System recently installed is giving every satisfaction. As previously reported, tihe ringing of; tihe Central Fini Bell is; very unsatisfactory. The firemen living an. reasonable proximity to t!he Station' cannot hear it. I would 'Suggest that the water moitor 'be overhauled, and the top arms be adjusted to regulate the stroke. "No doubt tihe bell being hemmed in by the roof of the main l tower, and also the roof of the watch tower, -has a tendency to stop tihe sound. a The Simplex Alarm Company are perfecting a system whereby tihe. bell may be rung either by fall of shutter by pressing button of street boxes or by an independent switch operated in the wiatoh tower. I am waiting for further information regarding this, arid will forward it immediately it; comes to band. Pending receipt ,of Miis'-ittforiha-' tion; I'would recommend that the above ' /suggestion® be given effect to. J#, presenting the estimated . requirements for the year, I would respectfully suggest that provision be made for uniforms for the members. The ones at present doing sea-vice have been in use for fourteen years. One thousand feet of hose, with couplings, are also required. i A bell is. required for tihe foot board of the engine, iso that when the engine is proceeding to a fire the gong can be sounded to warn the public. I would 'suggest that a foot i gong be procured, cost of same to be I £5.

Lighting fori, engine shed requires attention. The present gas jets aretoo low, and catch tlie horses' heads. I • would suggest tihai the are lamp be removed from the passage next Heagerty's .buildings, and fixed in engjine shed, and provided with suitable pulleys and cords so as to. be ope,raited from the watch room door. Plain, of water malins, and with fire plugs, istop valves, etc., is required. Boundary of Fire Di strict could also be givein. Repair,s, etc., to Fire Station.— Repairs are required to front side of Kuripum Fire Station, also small room at frack requires lining and papering. ( ( lading doors at Central Station require attention-. At present, if

tihey are alosed (from the inside it is necessary to get outside assistance to open them again. At present the Brigade is handicapped through having no vehicle for the 'conveyance of ladders. I would respectfully suggest that the Board consider the advisability of procuring a light two-wheeled vehicle which would act as a leader and hose cart, and if necessary carry a, few men. This would serve until such times as a motor reel is purchased. SUMMARY OF FIRES AND CALLS. False alarms 1, chimneys 6, hay fire 1, fires 13, Total, 24. Monthly summary of calls: July 1, September 2, October 3, November 2, January 3, February 1, March 1, April 1, May 5, June 5; Total 24. Daily summary of calls: Monday 3, Tuesday 3, Wednesday 8, Thursday 5, Friday 1, Saturday 4, Total 24. Causes of 'Fire: Lighted candle 1, kerosene lamp' 2, smelting furnace , 1, benzine explosion 1, unknown 4, 'children 1, gas tar 1, copper furnace 1, (Spontaneous combustion 1, Ir ht thrown down 1; Total, 14.